Anthony Madu, a Nigerian youngster whose video of himself performing ballet barefoot in the rain in Lagos went viral, is the subject of a feature documentary being made by Disney Original Documentary.
The 44-second video of the young kid performing exquisite pirouettes and leaps went viral, and the documentary “Madu” will concentrate on what transpired next. Anthony’s instructor shared the video on social media. He was only 11 years old at the time.
He received numerous scholarships as a result of the popular video, including one at the esteemed Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre in the US and the century-old Elmhurst Ballet School in the UK.
The talented young boy now studies at the prestigious Elmhurst Ballet School in the UK.
In a press statement, Disney Original Documentary noted that “having grown up in an isolated community outside of Lagos and with almost no formal training, audiences will get a close look at Anthony’s journey after being awarded a scholarship to Elmhurst Ballet School, one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the United Kingdom.”
They added, “Anthony comes from a community with limited opportunities, making this [a] chance of a lifetime to pursue his dream…By immersing the audience in Lagos’s culture and fascinating surroundings, Ogens and Benson use their unique perspectives to bring the film to life in the true spirit of Nigeria and its people.”
Disney stated that the documentary will feature intimate vérité and stunning visuals and the film will immerse audiences into the characters’ worlds and examine their journeys in profoundly inspiring ways.
Marjon Javadi also in a statement said that “Anthony’s journey is a beautiful one, full of courage, growth and acceptance. We aim to share unique, diverse and global perspectives with audiences, full of magic and heart. We’re thrilled to partner with Matt, Kachi and Hunting Lane Films to share this touching story with the world.”
The documentary is co-directed by Kachi Benson, the director who won the Venice Award in 2019 for his documentary ‘Daughters of Chibok’ about the 276 Nigerian schoolgirls who were abducted by Boko Haram terrorists.
Also directing is Oscar nominee Matt Ogens known for the docuseries Why We Fight and Netflix short doc Audible, which followed a handful of high school students at the Maryland School for the Deaf.
The show is also produced by Jamie Patricof, Katie McNeill and Rachel Halilej of Hunting Lane Films and Vice President of Disney Original Documentary, Marjon Javadi, oversees the project.
‘Madu’ marks the first collaboration between Kachi Benson and Ogens.
In a statement, the duo noted that “our shared journey is about curiosity and creating an understanding of different cultures through our connection with each other.”
“Ultimately, this is a journey of discovery, growth, belonging and acceptance, a theme we both personally relate to. Making his voice heard is our ultimate drive, and we believe Anthony’s extraordinary story will make the most captivating, emotional, and riveting film either of us have told.”
‘Madu’ will get a festival run before a limited theatrical release.